Verstappen warns GT team: 'You cannot hide anymore' with 2026 Pro entry

Max Verstappen is preparing for a pivotal year in 2026, both as a factory-backed driver in Formula 1 and as a team owner in GT racing. The four-time champion has issued a stern warning to his Verstappen.com Racing outfit that stepping up to a Pro line-up means they "cannot hide anymore" and must contend for outright race wins. Despite the dual pressure of developing Red Bull's first engine and elevating his GT team, Verstappen maintains a relaxed demeanor regarding the unknowns ahead.

Why it matters:

Transitioning from a lower-tier lineup to Pro places Verstappen's team directly in the crosshairs of factory programs and professional factory drivers. It signals a serious evolution of his brand outside of Formula 1, moving from a developing endeavor to a genuine competitive force. This ambition mirrors the high-stakes environment he faces in F1, where new regulations in 2026 will reset the competitive order.

The details:

• Pro Class Ambition: For 2026, Verstappen.com Racing will field a Pro line-up, targeting overall victories rather than class wins. Verstappen emphasized that this level of competition requires maximum preparation and performance, leaving no room for errors.
• Personal Involvement: The Dutch driver is increasing his hands-on role, having raced at the Nürburgring in 2025. He is actively investing time to ensure the GT3 project becomes a success, acknowledging that the team can no longer rely on the anonymity of lower classes.
• F1 Uncertainty: On the Formula 1 front, Red Bull is navigating the complex transition to becoming a power unit supplier under new 2026 regulations. Verstappen noted that while performance is currently unknown, he refuses to stress over factors outside his control, stating that worry "is not going to change the result."
• Sim Racing Stability: Amidst these changes, Verstappen highlighted Team Redline’s sim racing program as a constant source of stability and passion, praising the team's strength and consistency as the "most secure part of it all."

What's next:

As the 2026 season approaches, the focus will shift to testing and development for both the Red Bull F1 car and the GT team's new machinery. Verstappen will be looking to translate his relaxed confidence into tangible results on track, proving that his racing empire can compete at the highest level across multiple disciplines.